Veteran actress Mumtaz, who starred alongside Dharmendra in films like Jheel Ke Us Paar (1973) and Loafer (1973), shared memories of her co-star and revealed she was unable to meet him at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital before his passing.

“I went to see him at the hospital, but the staff told me he was on a ventilator and no visitors were allowed. I sat there for 30 minutes hoping to see him, but couldn’t. I left without meeting him,” Mumtaz told ETimes.

She last met Dharmendra in 2021 at his residence. “That was such a pleasant meeting. It was the last time we met,” she recalled.

Speaking about his family, Mumtaz expressed sympathy, particularly for his wife, actor Hema Malini. “I feel sorry for his family, and for Hema ji. She was always devoted to him and must be feeling this loss deeply. She truly loved him,” she said.

Mumtaz also remembered Dharmendra as a kind and warm co-star. “We worked together on a few films, and he was always a wonderful co-star — a man with a golden heart. He was milansar — friendly, warm, and connected to everyone. People loved him and always will. He was a legend and is irreplaceable,” she added.

Dharmendra’s final Instagram video goes viral after his passing: “Bhagwan Aapko Lambi Sehat De”

On Tuesday, Mumtaz shared photos with Dharmendra, including film stills and one featuring him with Anju Mahendru, Poonam Sinha, Jackie Shroff, Danny Denzongpa, Talat Aziz, and herself. She wrote, “Dharam ji, you were and you are always with us! May you rest in peace.”

Dharmendra passed away on November 24 at age 89. He had been hospitalized on October 31 due to breathlessness and was discharged on November 12. The veteran actor was cremated at Pawan Hans Crematorium in Mumbai, and a prayer meet is scheduled this evening at Seaside Lawns, Taj Lands End, Bandra, from 5 pm to 7:30 pm.

Source: NDTV